Description
About the center
Newport Aquatic Center, located on the shore of Newport’s Back Bay, was founded by Billy Whitford in 1982.
Billy grew up on the bay and loved water sports. His mother and father were directors at the nearby Newport Sea Base. When Billy and I were kids back in the sixties, we hung out at the Sea Base and would eat the lunches that his mother, Corki, would make for us.
Samoans and Hawaiians would often come by with their outriggers to do some fun practices. Billy got to know and love the south sea heritage and the team building inherent in their sport.
Being a true waterman, Billy wanted to make it possible for others to share in these sports. He made Newport Aquatic Center a destination for everyone – members and public alike – from first-timers to competitive athletes training for competition. (Collectively, the center’s members have received a total of twelve Olympic gold medals.)
Newport Aquatic Center (or NAC) has been known as the coolest place in town, with Billy being the soul of it. As a teacher and an inspiration, he has made an enormous impact on a multitude of kids growing up. Many lifelong friendships (and even marriages) developed from involvement in the Center.
I was commissioned to paint this piece by his mother and also good friend, Corki Rawlings. I suspended the angle in order to portray the expanse of this beautiful complex.
Related artwork
See the watercolor painting “Basin Marine Shipyard”, a nearby scene painted with a similar viewing aspect as NAC. Also, check out the watercolor painting titled “Outrigger Race to Catalina” which depicts a race that is often hosted by NAC.
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